Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

-----one cannot but be struck by the need for a balanced and measured approach. I thank Senator Boyle. I welcome the amendment which made clear that the Judge Advocate General is being asked to select a nominee. As Senator O'Toole has said, it is important that Mr. de Róiste would be given an opportunity for a personal hearing. That would be a positive approach and it would offer a belated opportunity to Mr. de Róiste to put his side of the case. I accept he had the opportunity to do that previously but Senator Harris was correct in what he said about post-traumatic stress and depression. We must give Mr. de Róiste another opportunity to get due process.

While all are quick to condemn and judge, reflecting on and stepping back from this story must pose a challenge to all to avoid rushing to such condemnation or judgment. Senator O'Toole was correct to suggest we do not rush to judgment and that we avoid reflecting on the officeholders of the time. As legislators and Members of the Oireachtas, it is important to protect the integrity of all citizens and Members should be able to afford them the opportunity to defend themselves. I acknowledge there was an inordinate delay in Mr. de Róiste's reply and before the bringing of proceedings in the High Court. However, the amendment tabled to the motion gives rise to the possibility that he will be allowed the opportunity to show he was absolutely innocent, given that no criminal prosecution was brought against him, that no charge was levelled at him and that he was not guilty of any crime.

In preparation for this debate I read newspaper reports on the 1997 Presidential election campaign. In this regard, too, although Senator Harris may disagree with me, as politicians Members can learn a lesson. I am fairly good at debating and being adversarial across the Chamber but there is and can be no room in politics for the disservice done to Adi Roche during that campaign. I salute Senator Harris's courage and genuinely admire him for his actions and contribution. While I may disagree with him on economic issues, again he has shown his humanity in the House today. What happened to Adi Roche during the 1997 campaign was wrong. She is a woman and a lady of integrity. I make this point as someone who has met her and grown to perceive her to be a woman and lady of immense stature. She has become a beacon of hope and offers a vision for many, of what one should aspire to be as a citizen and a Christian. While an election campaign is one matter, to destroy someone or to do what happened to her was wrong. This issue must also be addressed.

The Fine Gael Party will be happy to support the motion and the amendment before the House. Were the Minister to allow for a personal hearing for Mr. de Róiste, it would bring the impending Judge Advocate General's review to a different level.